Sun smarts for summer

Go beyond the SPF.

By Constance Dorgan, WAC Aesthetician

With the temperature already rising above 80 degrees this May, it’s once again sunscreen season. You can take some simple steps to keep your skin looking great. During the past few years, you’ve likely seen sunblocks and sunscreens claiming SPFs up to 100. Don’t be fooled! You only need a high-quality sunblock with SPF 30 to provide 97 percent protection from UVB rays—the kind that burn your skin.

Protecting yourself from the sun can help ward off brown spots and discoloration, both of which are easy to prevent but much more difficult to correct. UVB rays are the ones that cause burns, which we all know are not good for our skin. The negative effects of UVA rays appear over a longer period of time. UVA rays activate receptors that produce enzymes that break down collagen at a higher rate than normal aging. This contributes to sagging skin as well as the appearance of wrinkles. UVA rays can also cause red facial veins and can contribute to red blotchiness.

Choosing sun-protection products that also include proven anti-aging ingredients can deliver big benefits. Many of the products available from the Spa at the WAC are made with skin-calming botanicals and polypeptides, which can help your skin recover from sun exposure.

The Spa’s corrective and clinical treatments can take your sun recovery a step further by helping eliminate fine lines, uneven skin, and surface pigmentation issues. When the Spa at the WAC reopens following the statewide closure related to COVID-19, swing by on the 4th Floor to make an appointment. Or email wacspa@wac.net.